Polaris

Polaris, although the name is somewhat misleading, is an interesting take on streaming music. What this app does is turn your PC into a streaming device, allowing any individual with the right credentials to access one's uploaded song playlists. It's an innovative approach to streaming music, and a free one at that too. It's fast, it's reliable, and it's yours a hundred percent.

The app itself can only be installed. It automatically creates the streaming server. You can only be sure of that once you spot the bear-looking icon in the System Tray. From there, you can only close the server, and that's pretty much it. You'll have to navigate to the developer specified URL in order to access an online menu with all the features your new server provides. This online interface does not work without the running app in your OS' System Tray.

Provided you've done everything right, the online menu will ask you to confirm your playlist source, otherwise known as a simple directory on your PC. Once located, you also have the option of naming your music source. The online interface is quite pleasant to the eye. Options are well differentiated, so you won't have a problem understanding what's what. You can create various playlists from the music you've already made available to the app.

You could also tie your Last.fm account to the app. Add favorites, search for certain songs, shuffle all tracks and check your most recent additions. The app feels like a full-fledged audio player. It even allows users to customize track image covers. Polaris is by far the most interesting and authentic take on streaming music. There is also an Android app that gives users the opportunity to connect to Polaris streamed content. It's a bit easier and doesn't involve using your phone's browser. The application manages to offer exactly what is advertised.